Positional Analysis for the Denver Broncos: Wide Receiver

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Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates with wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos face a number of decisions this offseason with 17 free agents set to hit the market in about a month. While there are a number of priorities, Demaryius Thomas sits at the top of that list.

The receiver position for the Broncos is strong but losing a player like Thomas would weaken it considerably. The common belief is that the Broncos will use the franchise tag on Thomas if a long-term deal cannot be worked out before the start of free agency.

It’s true that Thomas drops too many balls and disappears at times, but he is a top five receiver and the Broncos cannot afford to lose him. If they are forced to use the franchise tag on Thomas that does not mean a long-term deal cannot be reached.

The real intent of the franchise tag was to give teams more time to work out deals with their best players, but most teams do not take advantage of it. The Broncos, at least under the direction of John Elway, have used it the way it was intended. Two years ago, the Broncos used the tag on Ryan Clady and then signed him to a long-term contact before the season started.

It’s just a guess but an educated one based on the past, Thomas will have a long-term deal before training camp begins in late July.

The Broncos signed three big defensive free agents last March, but the most impactful one ended up being on the offensive side of the ball. Emmanuel Sanders had the best season of his career and made big play after big play.

Sanders proved to be the deep threat that the Broncos were missing before he arrived and his ability to make tough catches in traffic was key for the offense. When he signed with the Broncos, the critics pointed to Sanders propensity to drop the ball in big spots. There may have been more but I can only think of one drop in 2014. Sanders will continue to be a big part of the Broncos offense in 2015 and beyond.

The days of Wes Welker in a Broncos uniform are over. In addition to the concussions, Welker’s play dropped off dramatically in 2014. Welker may continue his career but it won’t be in Denver.

The Broncos are counting on second year receiver, Cody Latimer to step up and be the third receiver after Thomas and Sanders. He had a disappointing rookie season but in truth, Latimer was drafted for 2015 and not 2014.

His talent is unquestioned and now he will get the chance to prove it on the field. The Broncos are going to spend less time in three wide receiver sets than they have over the past two seasons but when they do go to that formation, Latimer will be expected to step up.

It’s a mystery as to why Andre Caldwell is still on the roster and it would be a surprise if he was there on opening day. The former staff kept him for special teams but he was so bad on kickoff returns that he eventually got benched.

When Caldwell did get into the game as a receiver, he rarely made a play and dropped the ball more often than he caught it.

With Welker gone and Caldwell likely gone, the Broncos will need to add some depth in the offseason. It would not be a surprise to see Elway go after a veteran in free agency and use a mid-round selection to strengthen the group.

One thing is for sure, the group will be expected to block more than they have over the past couple of years. The Broncos are going to feature a zone blocking scheme in the running game and that requires buy in from everyone.

If Thomas returns, as most believe, then the Broncos will be strong at the receiving position again. If the unthinkable happens and they somehow lose Thomas, then using a first-round pick on the position would not be out of the question.